Episode 21: What We Thought We Knew and What We've Learned
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Leadership styles, strategic insights and operational challenges.” A Quick Summary In this episode of the 'Where's Your Head At' podcast, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald discuss key leadership insights in the field of international education. They discuss the importance of people and relationships, the unpredictability of change, and the balance between operational effectiveness and strategic innovation. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, such as dealing with significant natural disasters, and the challenges of transitioning roles within...
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Episode 20: Making Schools More Relational
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“Compliance-based approaches in education have not worked so we need a more relational focus.” A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at?', hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educational consultant, Sue Chandler. With over 30 years of experience, Sue discusses her pivotal career moments and the importance of integrating wellbeing into school systems. The discussion explores the challenges and benefits of moving from compliance-based approaches to a more relational focus in education, addressing both...
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Episode 19: One Big Question, What is Worth Learning? Education must co-evolve with AI.
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“AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change.” A Quick Summary This episode of the podcast 'Where's Your Head At?' featured a conversation with Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor in education. The hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engaged in an insightful discussion about the future of international education and AI's role in transforming education. Dr. Zhao shared his unique educational journey, describing how he entered education because he was 'bad at farming' during China's Cultural Revolution. He...
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Episode 18: The Mental Health Crisis in Schools: A Call for Change
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A Quick Summary In this podcast episode of "Where's Your Head At", Dr. Ellen Heyting, an experienced educator and researcher from Melbourne Metrics, discusses the critical challenges in international education, focusing on the need to transform assessment systems and prioritize student agency. She argues that current high-stakes examination models are restrictive, causing mental health issues and limiting students' potential, and advocates for a more holistic approach that recognizes broader competencies and empowers students as producers of their own learning. Currently, Ellen is spearheading...
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Episode 17: Navigating International Education: Insights from Adelaide to Ulaanbaatar
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A Quick Summary In this episode of "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Deidre Fischer, an experienced educational leader and consultant, shares her profound insights into international education. The conversation explores her remarkable career journey, from a typing teacher to an international school leader and executive coach, while discussing critical challenges and opportunities in modern education. Deidre emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on holistic learning, skills development, and challenging traditional metrics of success. We hope you...
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Episode 16: The Evolution of Literacy: Supporting Teachers Through Transitions
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A Quick Summary In this episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Erin Kent, founder of Erin Kent Consulting, shares her extensive experience in international education and literacy consulting. With a background spanning from Teach for America to leading a global consulting group, Erin discusses the evolving landscape of international education, particularly focusing on literacy instruction, the unique opportunities in international schools, and the critical role of leadership in driving educational innovation. In this enlightening episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, hosts sit...
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Episode 15: Exploring the Landscape of International Education
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"my hope is that we will actually use the learning sciences, neuropsychology, cognitive science and psychology in service of this thing called schooling" A Quick Summary In this episode of Where's Your Head At, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James McDonald dive deep into the world of international education with the esteemed Bambi Betts. With over three decades of experience, Bambi has dedicated her career to fostering leadership and professional development within international schools. As the founder of the Principals' Training Center, she has influenced countless educators...
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Episode 14: Rethinking School Strategies for the Modern World
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"school leaders, in general, are humble people...and they don't share their great ideas. In fact, many times they don't realize it's a great idea because it's just what they do". A Quick Summary Unlock the secrets of educational transformation as we explore the dynamic world of international learning with Dr. David Stegall. Discover how Dr. Stegall transitioned to the role of Chief of System Innovation at the Department of Defense Education...
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Episode 13: Transforming Global Education: Governance, Innovation, and Marketing Strategies.
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A Quick Summary Unlock the keys to effective educational governance and marketing strategies in our latest episode! Join Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald as we navigate this topic from Brisbane, Bangkok, and Brussels. We’re honored to welcome Russell Russell Speirs, founder of RS Academics, who enlightens us on the indispensable relationship between school leaders and their boards. Learn from Russell's vast experience in school leadership recruitment and governance consultancy, and discover how good governance can transform educational environments. Our discussion then...
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Episode 12: Recruitment Part 2 - Unleashing Your Potential: Strategies for Educational Leadership and Career Progression
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“Your network is the place that you learn.” - James MacDonald A Quick Summary Have you ever pondered the path to an educational leadership position? Our journey today takes us through the winding roads of educational leadership. We share tales from our own experiences, and we unearth the essential skills you need to thrive. It’s all about upskilling, networking, and active engagement in the learning community. We’ll discuss why these actions are so critical and how you can incorporate them into your own professional growth. Show notes In this episode… (0:00:01)...
info_outline“My career has not been based on luck...an opportunity arose, I grabbed it and I worked for it” - Fidelis Nthenge
A Quick Summary
The “Where’s Your Head At” hosts chat with Fidelis Nthenge, an experienced international educator who has worked in various roles in schools and made a significant contribution to the International Baccalaureate community. In this show, we hear what Fidelis believes to be the key changes in education over the past 10 years and what she believes will be essential for schools to thrive in the future.
Show notes
In this episode…
Introduction for Fidelis Nthenge (3.15)
What have been the most impactful changes in education over the past 10 years? (4.50)
What have been the key challenges for Fidelis during the pandemic? (7.17)
Were there specific moments, or individuals, who helped Fidelis in her career? (9.25)
Are there key elements that leaders must have? (13.45)
Biographies/books/models which Fidelis has used for her leadership (15.05)
If you started again would you do anything differently? (16.40)
Leaders and modesty (18.15)
What underlying belief would Fidelis change in education today? (19.30)
Significant changes in education over the past 20 years and what will see in the future (22.00)
How can we involve students more in leadership? (24.00)
“School’s First” and “Student Centred” strategy (24.45)
What book would Fidelis recommend? (26.30)
How to contact Fidelis (27.50)
Bio
Fidelis Nthenge
Fidelis works as Head of the IB World Schools department based in the IB's global centre in The Hague. She is responsible for the development and implementation of school improvement strategy for IB World Schools, in line with the IB strategy and objectives, supporting IB World Schools to achieve their optimal teaching, learning and assessment. Before joining the IB in 2011, Fidelis spent 14 years with the Aga Khan Education Services in East Africa, where she was head of two of their IB World Schools in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Link
- International Baccalaureate: www.ibo.org
- Heuristic leadership: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED344271
- Fidelis’ Email Address: [email protected]